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It’s a time-old, wedding day tradition that after reciting vows, the bride and groom each exchange one of the best wedding bands as a token of their love and affection for one another.
With the goal of forever in mind, a wedding ring is likely one piece of jewelry some people may never take off, and for others, it may even be the first and only jewelry item they ever own. Needless to say, it’s a piece worth spending some time and attention on. There may be days, weeks, months, even years when the wedding ring will be the ring, when you may not always want to wear that new sparkly diamond—or colored gemstone, or other fanciful delight—of choice (or so I’ve been told). The wedding band, which is often more understated than the engagement ring, is what you will gravitate toward for everyday wear (though, I may not be the right person to ask, as I’m known to sport a cocktail ring or two to a 9 A.M. meeting).
Choosing The One
When selecting a wedding band, especially one to pair with an engagement ring, various schools of thought could come into play. While the wedding ring is a piece you should love individually, it's also something that should complement your engagement ring, as traditionally, the two are often worn together.
Some brides-to-be will opt for something classic and traditional, like a sleek metal band in platinum or gold or a thread-thin, barely-there diamond ring, one that hugs up right next to the engagement ring and fits together like a puzzle piece. Other brides, however, will choose to mix and match, selecting a band in a different finish than their engagement ring (a yellow gold ring paired with a white gold band or a pavé ring with a bare-metal). Then, there will be the brides who want something a bit bolder, a ring that strongly signals to others that they are officially off the market—maybe an ultra-blingy band or an avant-garde piece that’s more modern, a tad unusual, or perhaps bespoke.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Wedding Bands:
- The Classic Diamond Ring: Graff classic set round diamond band, $2,600
- The Minimalist Band: Brilliant Earth comfort fit wedding band, $390
- The Best Ring Stack: Spinelli Kilcollin Sonny 18k yellow gold diamond ring, $4,200
- The Baguette Band: Vrai 18k yellow gold baguette bar band, $1,700
- The Stunning Sparkler: Grown Brilliance domed round lab ground diamond eternity band, $2,450
- The White Gold Wedding Ring: Mejuri 14k white gold stacker ring, $88
- The Engagement Ring Framer: Brilliant Earth lunette diamond ring, $1,290
- The Classic Gold Band: De Beers Jewellers classic wedding band, $550
- The Platinum Pick: Tiffany & Co. together miligrain band ring, $2,850
- The Rose Gold Ring: Piaget 18kt rose gold ring, $1,840
- The Black Titanium Band: Mejuri black titanium smooth band, $280
- The Unconventional Option: Messika Move Joaillerie white gold diamond ring, $2,850
- The Wooden Wedding Ring: Marke NYC white tungsten & wood wedding band, $445
- The Understated Diamond Band: Vrai yellow gold brushed baguette band, $1,500
Similarly, when it comes to selecting a band with and for your partner, their personal style will also come into play. Someone who never wears jewelry will likely balk at something sparkly or a hefty chunk of metal and value comfort above all else. They’ll look for a ring they can sleep, shower, swim, and live in; while a partner with eclectic taste may want something with a hint of pizazz.
Another factor to consider? Materials. For instance, gold and platinum are fairly soft metals that scratch easily. Will your smooth gold band sit directly against a pavé engagement ring? Be prepared for some wear and tear, if so, and the need to polish every couple of years if you’d like to keep the gold one looking pristine.
Ultimately, choosing a wedding ring (for men and for women) is an activity you and your future partner can do together. Pick pieces that work for you both as individuals—in style and personality—but that will pair well together in all of those hand-holding photos you’re bound to take on your big day.
To make the search a tad easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best wedding rings on the market today, because what better way to celebrate this exciting new chapter in your life than with a fresh piece of jewelry?
